‘GST 2.0 Biggest Reform In 77 Years Of Independence’: Pralhad Joshi At Network18 Reforms Reloaded

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Engergy Pralhad Joshi. (PTI photo)

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday called the recently announced GST 2.0 the “biggest reform” in 77 years of independence, saying that most daily-use consumer items now fall under either the zero or five per cent tax bracket.

Joshi, who is the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, made the remark while speaking at the Network18 Reforms Reloaded event in New Delhi.

“This is the biggest reform after 77 years of independence. As Consumer Affairs Minister, I can say that items used by consumers on a daily basis are now either taxed at zero or five per cent,” he said.

The minister pointed out that common essentials such as dosa, filter coffee and even toothpaste are now tax-free under GST 2.0.

“Earlier, tax on dosa was 20%, now it is 0. Even tax on good South Indian filter coffee was 20, but now it’s 0… and many of essentail items like toothpaste, soap are under 5 per cent,” Joshi noted.

“This means the common man will benefit, and of course, whether it is the state or central government, there will be some loss of revenue. But when the public save money like this, their buying power increases. When business grows in the market, revenue also goes up. But for this, we just need a little patience,” he added.

Joshi further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “believes in the people of the country, and he also believes in the businessman of the country.”